Serra Grande: Living On Light

I DON'T regard myself as an extremist (although many would disagree). But I am extremely curious to discover my physical, mental and emotional limits (thank you, Zenchai, for helping me with the latter). 

I first heard about the 21-day Living On Light process when I arrived in Piracanga in January. I was instantly intrigued. Could it be done? What would it feel like? What would I discover about myself being in isolation and not drinking, eating or talking for a prolonged period?

For some it would seem like insanity. I understand that. The reaction from my own family (without me asking for any opinion) was interesting and contrasting: "I don't support him - it's dangerous"; "meditation doesn't work"; "I'm interested to hear about it when you're done".

But since I've been in Piracanga, I've met dozens of men and women who have completed the course. Practically all have had extraordinary and remarkable experiences. Many have called it the most powerful/enlightening period of their lives. 

The Living On Light process in Piracanga is done individually but as part of a group, some big and some small. But I am doing my process elsewhere, by myself surrounded by nature, though under supervision. 

The process isn't for me all about abstaining from food, although I am sure it will play a big part and my relationship with food will become clearer, too. Food - the eating and buying of, thinking and worrying about, preparing, digesting - takes from us a lot of energy even though we consume to acquire energy. It's a curious relationship. 

I want most of all, though, to learn about myself - to see if I can discover (or should I say rediscover?) my essence through stillness and by eliminating distractions. We can, of course, learn about ourselves, too, in every day life, through our interactions with others and mostly in challenging situations. But I want to be more in a state of 'being' rather than 'doing' - to try to live from moment to moment (just like my daughter Kobra does) with no concept of time except for night and day. 

This is an opportunity to try something new and I feel certain this journey will take me through another dimension. I want to confront myself and what I feel - to connect with myself by going inwards in a way that requires seclusion, silence and isolation (including no computers), where you can't escape and hide from yourself. That could, of course, drive some of us crazy - and maybe it will me - and bring about some discomfort.

I shall find out soon enough. 

Jamie and the kids, meanwhile, have headed off to England and I will join them when I am finished and have taken some time to process what I will undoubtedly discover. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[veronika]

Good for you, Claude ;-)

[Liz]

Good Luck Claude!

[Bill Moss]

When I taught survival, the course also involved fasting: it's just as important to know what's optional as it is what's necessary. I think your course will provide the same. (As for living on light, I like my rays with a side of soup and salad.) Happy experience!

[David Stewart]

one of my very few heroes in life you are Claude, honestly!

[Claude]

I am very humbled and flattered, Dave, especially coming from a top former professional athlete. Take care. And thanks for reading.